The Supreme Court on Friday directed the maintenance of status quo regarding a private well located near the entrance of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. This decision came after a plea by the mosque’s management committee challenging a local court order that allowed a survey of the site, which reportedly triggered violence and unrest.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued a notice to the concerned authorities, instructing them to file a status report within two weeks. The court also ruled that no action regarding the well could be taken without its permission.
The controversy began with a November 19, 2024 order by the Sambhal Senior Division Civil Judge, which permitted the appointment of an advocate commissioner to survey the mosque. The mosque committee claimed the survey led to violence and loss of life, prompting them to seek the Supreme Court’s intervention.
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Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the mosque’s management committee, argued that the well holds historical significance, stating, “We have been drawing water from the well since time immemorial.” Ahmadi also raised concerns about notices identifying the site as “Hari Mandir” and alleged plans to initiate religious activities there.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, countered that the well is outside the mosque’s jurisdiction and has been historically used for worship. Ahmadi, however, cited Google Maps images to claim that the well lies partly within the mosque premises.
The mosque committee’s plea requested the Supreme Court to direct the Sambhal District Magistrate to ensure the status quo is maintained regarding the private well near the mosque’s entrance and to prohibit any actions concerning it without the court’s approval.
The committee also argued that the local court’s November order was issued without allowing them to present their case. The plea highlighted that the second survey undertaken after the order resulted in violence, leading to extraordinary circumstances that necessitated Supreme Court intervention.
The bench emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and directed that no religious activities or notices concerning the well would be permitted without prior approval. The matter will be reviewed after the submission of a status report by the authorities within two weeks.
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